Barbara Marumoto (R): State Representative District 18

• Name: Barbara C. Marumoto
• Current job: Full-time Legislator
• Residence: How long you’ve lived in the district: 37 years
• Background: What qualifies you for the position? What else have you run for? Have you been in public office before and if so, what position?
• Though I have been elected form the House since 1978, I also ran successfully for the ’78 State Constitutional Convention.  I ran unsuccessfully for the 2^nd C9ongressional District special election after the death of Rep. Patsy Mink.  I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, have been a community volunteer and worked as a Realtor Associate..
• Major issues: What are the biggest issue in your district/state and your proposed solutions?
• Good education is important to our neighborhood.  The public schools in the 19^th District are among the State’s best, but many parents still send their children to private schools.  An appointed school board of qualified members has the potential for major changes.
• Budget philosophy: What is your budget philosophy? Do you foresee increases in revenue through tax hikes and fees or do you believe in cutting spending?
• An effective and efficient government is my goal.  Democrats are expected to call for an increase in the general excise tax (GET) – oh no!  Legislators should structure programs so that incentives are in the right places.  We shouldn’t make it easier or preferable to use government programs.
• Taxes and fees: Do you believe Hawaii’s taxes should be lowered or increased? If you do plan to raise taxes and fees, which specific taxes or fees would you increase? Or would you sign a pledge that says you will not raise taxes?
• I have signed the Tax Pledge and have consistently voted against increases in the GET, income, conveyance, gas, beverage container and other taxes.
• Rail: If the city has difficulty raising enough revenue for the rail, would you support state tax support for the rail project?
• No, the Legislature already allowed the counties to raise the GET, and Honolulu County raised the GET to 4.5%.  If that is not enough, the rest should come through a congressional appropriation.
• Legalized Gambling: Do you believe gambling should be legalized in Hawaii in any form and if so, in what form?
• Keep gambling out of Hawaii.
• Public Education: What are your plans to support the public education system while ensuring accountability and results for our students? Do you support an appointed or elected school board?
• An appointed school board can propose major changes.  A management audit would point out deficiencies that can then be addressed.  The 1973 audit pointed out that education majors were running the Business Office rather than business majors.  Construction and repair & maintenance projects should be streamlined to save money.  Merit pay for good teachers and an easier method to retire ineffective teachers.
• Economic Growth: What are your plans to promote long-term economic growth for Hawaii?
• We have enough labor laws, rules & regulations, employer mandates so we don’t have to enact more.  We can get rid of some programs such as the Dislocated Worker law.  Hold the line on tax increases.  Although we can market Hawaii as a tourist destination, as a place to hold a convention, and as a place to start a business,  I think we should invite new colleges to start up here or have established colleges establish a second campus here.  We can be the Boston of the Pacific.
• Crime: What is your solution to making Oahu a safer place to live and visit?
• Video cameras in public areas all over town would have a deterrent effect.  Support our law enforcement personnel especially with their legislative initiatives.
• Second Amendment: Would you support concealed carry or more freedom for law abiding firearms owners, do you feel the current laws should remain in place, or do you believe stricter gun laws should be in place?
• Let’s keep the current gun laws.
• Homeless: What is your solution to homelessness?
• For the bipolar mentally ill homeless, allow doctors to dispense appropriate medication.  Others need more shelters and transitional housing.
• Compact with Micronesia: Micronesians are able to freely move to Hawaii, which they are doing in large numbers to take advantage of the public education system, medical services and other government benefits. But the governor and other public officials say they are taxing Hawaii’s resources and costing the state more than $100 million a year. This is a federal decision, but would you share your view on whether the Compact with Micronesia should remain in place, should there be some parameters put on the Compact or do you have other solutions?
• The federal government should pay for services that the State incurs as a result of Pacific treaty relationships.  I have long proposed this. Many poverty-stricken Micronesians come without English or job skills, and others come needing advanced medical care. If no money then the feds should change the parameters to restrict the number of immigrants.
• Akaka Bill: What is your position on the Akaka Bill? Do you believe it will unite or divide Hawaii? What is your vision for how the Akaka Bill will change Hawaii?
• All peoples are entitled to aspire to self-determination.  The shape and form of a sovereign Hawaiian government varies with different groups that are involved.
  This should be firmed up so that everyone knows what we are heading for.
• Jones Act: Opponents of the federal Jones Act say it increases the cost of living in Hawaii through a shipping duopoly while supporters say it is needed to ensure port security and American jobs. While this is a federal decision, would you share your view on whether you support an exemption for Hawaii from the Jones Act or should it remain in place?
• I think there have been exemptions granted for certain cruise ships in Hawaiian waters or for ship repairs.  We can continue these congressional exemptions. Congress should consider other exemptions to help Hawaii and Alaska.
• Endorsements you would like to list: So far, SHOPO, Realtors, Firefighters, HSTA, Build-PAC, UPW, Hawaii Women’s Political Caucus, HAMPAC? GCA? Social Workers? Sierra Club, UHPA, Outrigger Hotels? ILWU? HGEA? ABC? Nurses?

Contact information:

E-mail: barbmarumoto@hawaiiantel.net

Mail: PO Box 2274 Honolulu, HI  96804

Web site address: barbaramarumotocampaign.com

Campaign Slogan or Theme: Time for Barbara Marumoto

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